Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here with more from your community school – American International School.
I say your community, because I believe that this school of ours, belongs to the entire community. I would be only too happy if every international group in Sydney chose this as their International School. I think that we can also support these groups by providing a unique international education, unavailable anywhere in Sydney or elsewhere in Australia. Let me know how you came to choose American International School for your families’ education.
I said once before that this school owns me rather than the other way around. It was six years ago that we came to the start of American International School, in its previous location. Mary, Patrick and I had just been to “standard” Private School interview, where we had been separated and interviewed separately from Patrick. We were grilled on what we could bring to the school, in exchange for the prestigious education, whilst Patrick was examined in great detail. Later we had been taken on a parade through the grounds where we saw big boys in short pants, with great manners behaving themselves quietly in class.
On the contrary, when we came to American International School, it was the new student (Patrick) who was the centre of attention. We followed the Principal and Patrick through the school, and it was the student’s interests that were at the heart of the interview. Not the facilities and social standing of his predecessors. Not the historical linkages with a colonial English past. Not the anachronistic quaint aspects of the uniforms and culture. But the students, their education, their interests and their community. Coming from the old English style of schooling myself, I was impressed with American International School at its beginning. I remain to this day a great fan of our modern, student focussed education, international culture, curriculum and teaching methods. Patrick was too. On the way home, he said, before we could even start the car, “Mum and dad, can I go to this school?”. And so, as they say, the rest was history.
Last Wednesday, I met a parent that was moving their child to another school. Not everyone agrees with me in my belief in our school, and other opportunities do beckon. I listened to their concerns, about their own specific requests and the fact that they felt they had not been heard. I resolved to take their issues back into the school, and that although we may not always agree, we will always listen. At the end of the day, I said, your own decisions will become self fulfilling prophecies in your own lives. We can only take the steps forward hoping that the outcomes will be what we wish for. Our families’ lives will become testament to those decisions, and we will always feel justified that we made the right choices at the time.
However, whilst I might understand the reasons for those decisions, and often slip a somewhat envious glance at the facilities, I will always see the light that is at the centre of our American International School. Not the facilities, not the tradition, not the pomp or circumstance that often beguiles. Rather the service, the international understanding, the community, the class sizes, the international curriculum that is our American International School. Your American International School where you can surely “See the Difference”, and “Where International Education is for Everyone”.
That Principal that took Patrick (aged 10yrs) around that school knew those differences were with the community, the teachers and the students. He listened to that little boy’s questions and concerns, and showed him around his school that would soon become part of his life. Six short years ago, there were only 8 students starting that American International School. Yet, that culture of caring and community was already well established.
If you ever have any issues or concerns about your school, please discuss this with your teachers and Principal. Your Board of Governors is there to represent your community and the schools interests – feel free to contact them with issues that you feel are important to you and your family. And I am only ever a phone call or email away. As I said, we may not always agree, but it is my promise to you that we will always listen.
Thursday night saw the Nolan Family and many other American International School families partaking in Thanksgiving Dinner at the American Club. It was a great night, with no speeches (in the ballroom at least), just friendship and community. A new parent (for January start), shared Thanksgiving with us at our table. He was ”Home Alone” as his family is yet to join him in Sydney, and it was great to make him part of our school family for the evening. During the evening, he told me of his experience reviewing the school, visiting the class for his son, and hearing directly from the students of their interests, national backgrounds, and languages they could speak. It was this diversity and international fraternity that, coupled with the teachers and curriculum, made his choice. The international gathering at the American Club rounded out his experience of a community that truly understood the aspects of international living and international education. I really enjoyed myself, and took the night off from dropping cards and promoting the school. Well not quite true -Mary had to drag me away at the end, saving some poor soul from understanding the merits of an international education.
Saturday saw us at School at 7AM to fit new air-conditioning, paint awnings and attach the Christmas LIGHTS!! In typical fashion I tried to fit too much into one day, and 7PM saw us with ½ the lights outstanding. We had hired a cherry picker that would allow us to work up to 10M (30ft) high, but it was slow work going up and down the buildings staying clear of electrical wires, roofs, trees and other hazards. I got a touch of sun-stroke and had to go to bed early, but we resolved to finish on Sunday. And we did. We now have new additional air-conditioning in the Pre-School, and more powerful units in the Library and Computer Room. Another full day in the cherry picker saw us test out the lights that evening – and yes, all 5,000 of them work.
So, let Tom know at school whether you will be there for a barbecue (“sausage sizzle”) this Saturday-2-December at 7:30PM, and LIGHT show extravaganza at 8:30. We can then order the sausages and make preparations. We would love to see you and your families there at school for a social hour if you can spare it and share it from your busy schedules. I will bring my little dog, Priscilla, along next day to clean up.
Remember: American International School – not just American - not just International - not just a School.
Help others to see the difference, where international education is for everyone, and although not a right, is surely an inspiration.
Regards,
Charles
Monday, November 27, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
Update Term 2-Week 5 - American International School - "Loving Lifelong Learning" - a week of community - anniversary, new starts, building associatio
Hi, it’s Charles Nolan here with another great week of community.
The more I enter into this community, the more there is to find. I am astounded, really, by all the support and cheer I find. Whenever I presage a forwarded newsletter to a business associate with an apology for interruption, I get back a host of supporting replies. From, please send to my sister, through to I want to promote your school to my associates, and requests for further information. I also get the usual “How on earth did you ever get to OWN a school”, to which my reply usually is, “You don’t - the School OWNS you!” Thanks to all those who mail me back with words of encouragement for these letters. I do aim to make a difference with your American International School, and it’s good to know that I can do that in some little way – even through this newsletter.
The week started on a personal note – Monday-13-November is Mary’s and my wedding anniversary. We were married on Friday-13-November - Black Friday, in 1987 – 19 years ago. More trivia – the ceremony was at the 13th hour, took 13 minutes, and 13 people attended. All coincidental, with the only unlucky thing being for Mary, as she ended up with me! We had a wowsers night out, with Iced Chocolates at a local restaurant with all the family (Patrick & Tom).
Wednesday lunchtime saw me spruiking international education benefits at the American Club lunch for the new American Ambassador to Australia, Robert D. McCallum Jr. It was a great opportunity to network with a number of executives and meet some new expatriate members. I was seated at the table with past presidents and dignitaries, (“must have been a tragic mistake”, says Mary). I had the opportunity to promote the school to more of the established members of the club, who were very interested in our American International School (“you always say that because they can’t get away”, says Mary). It’s not just parents of school age children that retain an interest in education – grandparents too are great supporters for us in our international focus and community.
Thursday afternoon saw me out at the school for Principal Lyn Cheetham and the faculty’s periodic Staff meeting. My role was confined to coming in at the end with the wine and cheese, and giving the faculty an opportunity to put a face to the name, ask questions and get a straight reply. I gave a potted history of my background - Kiwi Hillbilly, boarding school, itinerant worker, army officer, IT manager, expatriate, IT consultant and finally school owner. We discussed employment contracts, and the implied social contract that underpins everything we do at the school. That social contract is both with the school community, and a belief in the integrity and aims of the school.
A social contract means a commitment and focus that underpins everything that we do together. I stated my belief that without accepting that social contract, I advise against any physical contract on its own. It’s always important to know where we start from on this journey that is your American International School. It’s a relay race where will pass the baton on to future parents, faculty, management and newer generations. However, we begin from a position of trust in our journey of international education, in wanting to make a difference, to share our education with everyone, a gift of loving lifelong learning, and a spirit of community that is our American International School.
Our Teachers’ Day Out ended with sharing a Karaoke evening at a bar in Balmain, where your own Dr Joe Grube won first prize in the finals of their long running karaoke competition. A great day out, and thanks to the teachers who let me share in their own personal time – I much appreciated it.
I met up on Friday with the American Club and American Society for a joint marketing session. Our approach will be to package a pyramid of benefits for expatriates:
Education – American International School
Social network – American Society
Business network – American Club
If you are not American, please let me know of your community group that we can add in to our pyramid of community support to our international community at large in Sydney.
I recently talked with a few expatriates, lonely for the seasons of their home climates, but enjoying our long year of summer. I pointed out that like the mountain wilderness, you need to look a bit deeper for the seasons changing in Sydney – but, as with most things in life, it’s all there when you look hard enough. The autumn bark shed and renewal on the eucalyptus trees like paintings in an outdoor gallery, Winter growth and green (versus summer blue) hues on the tips of the leaves, Spring blue jacaranda tree (a native of Africa) blossoms, and the current Spring flowering of white in the tops of the gum trees, soon to be followed by the summer fall of leaves in the Australian bush. The return of the kookaburras and flying foxes heralds the summer menagerie that is our bountiful Sydney wildlife. It’s all there in this harsh and strikingly beautiful land, that we expatriates call home whilst we are here, and let it in to our hearts. In the Arabian Desert they have a saying, “You can leave the desert but you can never get the sand out from between your toes”. I believe a similar thing abounds in Sydney, and especially our School, yet resides in your hearts forever – if you just let it in. Try it, and let me know either way what you think.
Thanksgiving coming up this Wednesday at school, and Thursday-23-November evening at the American Club. An evening where I for one will be saying thanks for all the opportunities given to us together in your American International School. Not too late to sign up – just call the Club and book under the American Society or the School (in my name). Thanksgiving is a special time, to reflect on the opportunities that we have, and often don’t fully understand that they are not universal. One of our scholarship students had to leave us(hopefully temporarily), to work and provide funds for his family in their strife torn homeland. We provided for his education, but alas it was not enough when family and friends safety, succour and security was threatened in a situation that we fortunate few only get to see on television. It puts my desultory words to shame and little purpose, upon reflection of the actual hardships that a member of our school community has to go through to support his family in times of life threatening hardship. I must do better is the words that spring to mind – watch this space, help me with ideas and hold me to this commitment.
This Saturday, we will be erecting 6,000 lights on the Jefferson and Washington buildings to show the community the cheer and delight that we have in our American International School. We will see you at the school if you can make it, on the following Saturday-2-December, for a 7:30 barbecue and 8:30 illumination. In some small way, we wish to share with our community the delight that is your American International School. In some small way to enable others to see the difference, where international education is for everyone, and although not a right, is surely an inspiration.
Regards,
Charles
The more I enter into this community, the more there is to find. I am astounded, really, by all the support and cheer I find. Whenever I presage a forwarded newsletter to a business associate with an apology for interruption, I get back a host of supporting replies. From, please send to my sister, through to I want to promote your school to my associates, and requests for further information. I also get the usual “How on earth did you ever get to OWN a school”, to which my reply usually is, “You don’t - the School OWNS you!” Thanks to all those who mail me back with words of encouragement for these letters. I do aim to make a difference with your American International School, and it’s good to know that I can do that in some little way – even through this newsletter.
The week started on a personal note – Monday-13-November is Mary’s and my wedding anniversary. We were married on Friday-13-November - Black Friday, in 1987 – 19 years ago. More trivia – the ceremony was at the 13th hour, took 13 minutes, and 13 people attended. All coincidental, with the only unlucky thing being for Mary, as she ended up with me! We had a wowsers night out, with Iced Chocolates at a local restaurant with all the family (Patrick & Tom).
Wednesday lunchtime saw me spruiking international education benefits at the American Club lunch for the new American Ambassador to Australia, Robert D. McCallum Jr. It was a great opportunity to network with a number of executives and meet some new expatriate members. I was seated at the table with past presidents and dignitaries, (“must have been a tragic mistake”, says Mary). I had the opportunity to promote the school to more of the established members of the club, who were very interested in our American International School (“you always say that because they can’t get away”, says Mary). It’s not just parents of school age children that retain an interest in education – grandparents too are great supporters for us in our international focus and community.
Thursday afternoon saw me out at the school for Principal Lyn Cheetham and the faculty’s periodic Staff meeting. My role was confined to coming in at the end with the wine and cheese, and giving the faculty an opportunity to put a face to the name, ask questions and get a straight reply. I gave a potted history of my background - Kiwi Hillbilly, boarding school, itinerant worker, army officer, IT manager, expatriate, IT consultant and finally school owner. We discussed employment contracts, and the implied social contract that underpins everything we do at the school. That social contract is both with the school community, and a belief in the integrity and aims of the school.
A social contract means a commitment and focus that underpins everything that we do together. I stated my belief that without accepting that social contract, I advise against any physical contract on its own. It’s always important to know where we start from on this journey that is your American International School. It’s a relay race where will pass the baton on to future parents, faculty, management and newer generations. However, we begin from a position of trust in our journey of international education, in wanting to make a difference, to share our education with everyone, a gift of loving lifelong learning, and a spirit of community that is our American International School.
Our Teachers’ Day Out ended with sharing a Karaoke evening at a bar in Balmain, where your own Dr Joe Grube won first prize in the finals of their long running karaoke competition. A great day out, and thanks to the teachers who let me share in their own personal time – I much appreciated it.
I met up on Friday with the American Club and American Society for a joint marketing session. Our approach will be to package a pyramid of benefits for expatriates:
Education – American International School
Social network – American Society
Business network – American Club
If you are not American, please let me know of your community group that we can add in to our pyramid of community support to our international community at large in Sydney.
I recently talked with a few expatriates, lonely for the seasons of their home climates, but enjoying our long year of summer. I pointed out that like the mountain wilderness, you need to look a bit deeper for the seasons changing in Sydney – but, as with most things in life, it’s all there when you look hard enough. The autumn bark shed and renewal on the eucalyptus trees like paintings in an outdoor gallery, Winter growth and green (versus summer blue) hues on the tips of the leaves, Spring blue jacaranda tree (a native of Africa) blossoms, and the current Spring flowering of white in the tops of the gum trees, soon to be followed by the summer fall of leaves in the Australian bush. The return of the kookaburras and flying foxes heralds the summer menagerie that is our bountiful Sydney wildlife. It’s all there in this harsh and strikingly beautiful land, that we expatriates call home whilst we are here, and let it in to our hearts. In the Arabian Desert they have a saying, “You can leave the desert but you can never get the sand out from between your toes”. I believe a similar thing abounds in Sydney, and especially our School, yet resides in your hearts forever – if you just let it in. Try it, and let me know either way what you think.
Thanksgiving coming up this Wednesday at school, and Thursday-23-November evening at the American Club. An evening where I for one will be saying thanks for all the opportunities given to us together in your American International School. Not too late to sign up – just call the Club and book under the American Society or the School (in my name). Thanksgiving is a special time, to reflect on the opportunities that we have, and often don’t fully understand that they are not universal. One of our scholarship students had to leave us(hopefully temporarily), to work and provide funds for his family in their strife torn homeland. We provided for his education, but alas it was not enough when family and friends safety, succour and security was threatened in a situation that we fortunate few only get to see on television. It puts my desultory words to shame and little purpose, upon reflection of the actual hardships that a member of our school community has to go through to support his family in times of life threatening hardship. I must do better is the words that spring to mind – watch this space, help me with ideas and hold me to this commitment.
This Saturday, we will be erecting 6,000 lights on the Jefferson and Washington buildings to show the community the cheer and delight that we have in our American International School. We will see you at the school if you can make it, on the following Saturday-2-December, for a 7:30 barbecue and 8:30 illumination. In some small way, we wish to share with our community the delight that is your American International School. In some small way to enable others to see the difference, where international education is for everyone, and although not a right, is surely an inspiration.
Regards,
Charles
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